The Loyalty Islands

After a quick re-stock in Noumea we met Stuart and Brigitte at the Yacht Service Agent's office, where we were efficiently cleared for departure by the gorgeous Chloe.  The next morning we sailed to Port Boise and spent the night anchored behind a reef  in fresh Trade Wind conditions.  It was a boisterous sail to Lifou Island the next day, so the white sandy beach looked very inviting on our arrival.

 At anchor on Lifou next to Aurora from Brisbane - one of the very few yachts we saw.

 Exploring Lifou

 The gardens were well tended with chooks everywhere

 Marie-Pascalle took us to her house to show us the  vanilla that is grown and dried on Lifou

 This teacher asked his class of 1st graders to pose for us - note the stick (no wonder they were so well behaved)

 Saying goodbye to the Chief Jean-Louis who had been very friendly and helpful

 After 4 days at Lifou we sailed to Ouvea and Stuart was relieved to retrieve the outboard fuel cap that had fallen overboard.  It was a dive down 6 metres to find it in crystal clear water.

 This boy's younger sister was much more friendly than he was.  We met them on the beach.

 Going shopping

 The shop was well stocked and the baguettes delicious

 The larder stockers on our way back to the boat at sunset

St. Michel was built in late 1800's.  Brigitte and I joined the locals at church on Sunday.